Surprising Saskatchewan has thriving cities, stunning countryside

No matter where you go, you'll be surprised by the diversity of the province's landscape and communities.

Photograph by: Dave Halliday
, Edmonton Journal

While the rest of Canada has been otherwise occupied, Saskatchewan has been morphing into one cool destination.

Thanks to the province's abundant natural resources, its cities have been enjoying an economic boom. In Saskatoon, prosperity has heightened the appeal of its vibrant downtown and lively cultural scene. With 150 shops, restaurants and theatre, the Broadway District, for one, is a noted destination for sophisticated dining and entertainment.

For a spectacular view of downtown by the South Saskatchewan River, take a stroll along the Canadian Pacific Railway Bridge. From there the adventurous can access the 60-kilometre Meewasin Valley Trail that follows both banks of the river and leads into the countryside.

The Ukrainian Museum of Canada is notable for its exquisite collection of painted Easter eggs and the Mendel Art Gallery for its Canadian and European art. Kids will enjoy the 1910 Boomtown exhibit at the Western Development Museum that recreates daily life during Saskatoon's first economic boom.

Live theatre is a vibrant part of the cultural scene, and festivals run year round. The annual Fringe Theatre Festival from July 29 to Aug. 7 (25thstreettheatre.org) is always a highlight, as is the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival June 25 to July 4 (saskjazz.com). Regina hosts the popular Regina Folk Festival Aug. 6 to 8 (reginafolkfestival.com), described by one commentator as "Haight-Ashbury with Tilley Hats." Saskatchewan's capital has a thriving culture of dance, music and the arts.

There is also a burgeoning gourmet scene as local chefs redefine Prairie cuisine and find enterprising ways to showcase regional foods. To relax and enjoy a natural oasis in the heart of the city, visit the Wascana Centre, a 2,300-acre park and lake. Here you can rent bicycles or paddle boats, bird watch at the Waterfowl Park or listen to an outdoor concert. Nearby are a handful of interesting museums and art galleries. The MacKenzie Art Gallery has a one of the best collections of Canadian art. Both the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and Saskatchewan Science Centre are geared to families with multimedia exhibits and displays. You can also find out how the RCMP always get their man at the RCMP Heritage Centre, a stunning modern structure designed by renowned architect Arthur Erickson.

Football season starts in June and ends in November. Take in a Saskatchewan Roughriders game to see "Rider Pride" in action and witness the diehard fans sporting their creative headgear made from local watermelons.

Less than 30 minutes away in the beautiful Qu'Appelle Valley you'll find the massively popular Craven Country Jamboree from July 15 to 18 (cravencountryjamboree.com), which draws about 23,500 people every year. Go a little farther and you'll find yourself wandering the natural sands of Regina Beach. Head west and explore Saskatchewan's shady past in the "gangster tunnels" of Moose Jaw and be pampered at the city's Temple Gardens Mineral Spa Resort.

Follow the Louis Riel Trail north from Regina to Prince Albert, visiting Metis communities and celebrating their heritage through rodeos and jamborees. Or, just south of Regina, stop in at one of the many charming communities that celebrate bilingual culture, such as Gravelbourg which styles itself "a touch of Europe on the Prairies."

No matter where you go, you'll be surprised by the diversity of the province's landscape and communities.

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